Locavore In Training

Wowie! What an interesting week! Not only is today the most beautiful day we've had in months, I've gotten into some interesting things over the last couple of days...

First of all, the Aerogarden is up and running. I got it all set up about a week and a half ago, and we're starting to see signs of life!

A couple pods haven't quite emerged yet, but I'm excited to see growth in what has felt like the dead of winter lately!

On Thursday, I started my BUMBA (Bowie, Upper Marlboro Beekeeper's Association) Beekeeping class held at Watkins Park. I was amazed to see over 50 people show up - people of all ages. Our first class was focused on going over the basic materials needed and bee behavior. I'm looking forward to the rest of the classes, where we'll get into more specifics on what's required to maintain a hive. (Quick PSA - the bees are in trouble! Learn more about that here.)

The highlight of the night? No question - one of the instructors demonstrating the bee dance. I was too caught up in trying to catch it on video to get all the details, but I'm pretty sure she was showing us how bees communicate when they find good food (maple, in this case.) Pardon the quality, but I just had to share...

Today held some definite excitement! My Backyard Chicken Keeping class!! The class was run by Lee Kelly, a jack of all trades farmer who works for the Accokeek Foundation. He started the class by asking each of the 8 woman attending (one also brought her young son) what we hoped to get from the class. The rest of the class was informal - the first half an in-depth Q&A and the second half discussing his prepared handouts. An awesome bargain, I walked out with a bunch of materials including what seems like a really great instructional book. Half the class drove over to the staff area to get a special treat! Lee allowed us to hold and pet one of his chickens. At least half of the women in the class plan to get chickens, but had never even touched one. (Me included...) I was over the moon to be surrounded by other crazy like-minded people!

One of their heritage breeds, Dominique:

Yes, she's giving me the stink eye...

Turns out the foundation runs an large and varied farm; in addition to the chickens, they have the Oxen, Rocky and Bullwinkle:

Some cattle, including a baby calf!

They also had a large flock of sheep, turkeys, pigs and a variety of wild geese and ducks easily spotted. They run an organic farm and I believe host a CSA. They've got quite a fantastic view too, right on the Potomac.

Really, I can't believe after living in Maryland for somewhere around 20 years, I've never been to either Watkins Park or the Accokeek Foundation! Never even heard of them. What gems!

And then there's Watkins Park... I haven't seen it in the daytime yet, but I'm already impressed. 850 acres a stone's throw from the beltway in PG county, with a Nature Center hosting live animal exhibits. I felt so fortunate to have arrived early for my class so I could take a stroll around the center. Apparently they put on a Christmas light show during the winter, and have an antique carousel, picnic areas and mini golf for the warmer months. It's only 30 minutes from our house, so I have a feeling I'll be visiting again even after my class has finished!

Finally, I'm not the only one enjoying the return of the sun! Max is also soaking in some rays!